Applications now being accepted for Emerging Leaders 2014

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration Georgia District Office is seeking applications for the 2014 Emerging Leaders Inititiave. To learn more about this exciting program to take your business to the next level attend a free orientation on March 3rd. Come meet the SBA Staff, Instructor and hear what others are saying about the impact and results of this powerful course has to offer. "Emerging Leaders is a mini MBA, that has increased my bottom line revenue," said a graduate.

What is Emerging Leaders? The Emerging Leaders is an intensive training initiative to accelerate high-potential small businesses’ growth in America’s inner-cities. This comprehensive curriculum provides the tools to catapult participating companies to the next level and help them emerge as growing, self-sustaining businesses in their community. In Atlanta, the Emerging Leaders initiative is supported by a coalition of local economic and business development entities.

What does the Emerging Leaders advanced training entail? Over seven months, participants are required to participate in approximately 60-80 hours of classroom instruction, generally two three-hour sessions per month. The method used is primarily instructor-facilitated discussion of the training curriculum. Outside subject matter experts are included as guest speakers to bring a “real world” perspective. Additionally, class participants meet and work in smaller CEO Peer Mentoring Groups for an additional 15-20 hours during the training period.

Topics/subjects include:

Business & Leadership Assessment

Finances

Marketing & Sales

Business Development Resources

Growth Action Plan

In order to successfully complete and graduate from the program, participants must not have more than two unexcused absences from classroom or CEO Peer Mentoring Group sessions. They must also prepare and give a 15-minute presentation at the last class session on a three-year strategic growth plan for their business developed from their learning experience before a panel of business and economic development experts.

What types of businesses does Emerging Leaders target? The Emerging Leaders advanced training series is open to the President, Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Chief Operating Officer of small businesses that: